Gilmore called for the creation of a domestic intelligence agency, separate from any existing governmental department. The former governor of Virginia made that recommendation in 2002 as the chair of the Advisory Panel to Assess Domestic Response Capabilities for Terrorism Involving Weapons of Mass Destruction, also known as the Gilmore Commission.

In his role on that panel, Gilmore expressed concern that domestic spying tactics in response to the terrorist threat might “change what we are as Americans.” He also said the United States should take care to “separate the intelligence collection function from the law enforcement function to avoid the impression that the U.S. is establishing a kind of ‘secret police.’” (MSNBC)

Editor's note: Gilmore withdrew his candidacy for the Republican nomination in July 2007.

Afghanistan

As the chair of the Congressional Advisory Panel to Assess Domestic Response Capabilities for Terrorism Involving Weapons of Mass Destruction, Gilmore has made numerous recommendations for the management of the war on terror, ranging from suggestions on more efficient intelligence-gathering methods to managing Defense Department operations.

Editor's note: Gilmore withdrew his candidacy for the Republican nomination in July 2007.

Energy Policy

If elected, Gilmore plans to create a program called “American Energy Freedom,” which he calls “a NASA-like effort to motivate and stimulate American ingenuity and technology using research and development tax incentives to help free our nation from its dependence on foreign oil within twenty-five years.” He also plans to boost the size of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Gilmore supports alternative fuels and the use of hydrogen power.

Editor's note: Gilmore withdrew his candidacy for the Republican nomination in July 2007.

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Gilmore has made few statements on this topic, but appears to support Israel in its security measures. In a June 2007 Republican debate, Gilmore said the United States should pursue stability in the Middle East to protect its interests in Israel.

Editor's note: Gilmore withdrew his candidacy for the Republican nomination in July 2007.

Editor's note: Gilmore withdrew his candidacy for the Republican nomination in July 2007.

U.S. Policy toward China

Gilmore’s stance is unknown.

Editor's note: Gilmore withdrew his candidacy for the Republican nomination in July 2007.

Defense Policy

From 1999 to 2003, Jim Gilmore headed the Gilmore Commission, a congressionally created advisory panel on terrorism-related issues. The panel issued a series of reports on everything from combating cybercrime to intelligence sharing among local authorities. The commission’s third of five reports urges the involvement of the defense department in establishing a clear chain of command to provide support to civil authorities in the event of terrorism, natural disasters or civil disturbances.

Editor's note: Gilmore withdrew his candidacy for the Republican nomination in July 2007.

Iraq

Gilmore supports the troop surge, and opposes any attempt (Virginian-Pilot) to impose timetable for troop withdrawal from Iraq. Still, in June 2007, Gilmore published an open letter to Bush in the Washington Post urging him to "stop thinking it is our responsibility to solve the Iraq conflict" and redefine the goals in Iraq "in terms of America's national interest." In that letter, Gilmore proposed a policy of "maintaining a military presence needed to preserve democracy" and initiating special operations against terrorists, but drawing down troop levels in Iraq. This, he says, would "save U.S. lives and tax dollars."

Editor's note: Gilmore withdrew his candidacy for the Republican nomination in July 2007.

Trade

Gilmore’s stance on trade is not known.

Editor's note: Gilmore withdrew his candidacy for the Republican nomination in July 2007.

Homeland Security

Gilmore has positioned himself as a homeland security and terrorism expert in Washington. As former chair of the Advisory Panel to Assess Domestic Response Capabilities for Terrorism Involving Weapons of Mass Destruction, also known as the Gilmore Commission , he has made numerous recommendations to the Bush administration regarding homeland security. His panel's 2002 report (PDF) said that the president should “specifically designate the DHS as the Lead Federal Agency for response to a bioterrorism attack, and specify its responsibilities and authority before, during, and after an attack.” The Gilmore Commission also recommended that both the Senate and House establish their own committees regarding terrorism and homeland security.

Gilmore, who served as a counter-intelligence agent in the U.S. army during the 1970s, now chairs the Homeland Security Practice Group of the Kelley Drye law firm.

Editor's note: Gilmore withdrew his candidacy for the Republican nomination in July 2007.

Iran

Gilmore has not ruled out military action against Iran. He supports “serious mandatory sanctions” against Iran. In a May 2007 Republican debate, Gilmore said, “the American people have to at some point come to a real serious conclusion about the tough decision that has to be made when we may have to in fact strike,” indicating that he believes a strike on Iran may soon be necessary.

Editor's note: Gilmore withdrew his candidacy for the Republican nomination in July 2007.

Climate Change

Gilmore’s stance on this issue is unknown.

Editor's note: Gilmore withdrew his candidacy for the Republican nomination in July 2007.

United Nations

Gilmore’s stance on this issue is unknown.

Editor's note: Gilmore withdrew his candidacy for the Republican nomination in July 2007.